Development News for Lorain, Ohio

Conditional Use Permit for Drive-Through Restaurant Reviewed

The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed and considered a conditional use permit for a drive-through restaurant at 2530 West 21st Street. Mercy JLA LLC was the applicant. The applicant, represented by architect Derek Fisher, proposed a drive-through window placement designed to accommodate vehicle stacking within the existing Westgate Plaza. The proposal was noted to be presented later that morning at the Planning Commission meeting.

Second Variance Approved for Attached Dwellings on Narrow Lots on East Erie Avenue

The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed and considered a variance request for BA21-2026, seeking to create single-family attached dwellings on individual lots with specific dimensional requirements in an R2 Transitional Residential District at 2327 East Erie Avenue. Don J. Techo Development LLC is the applicant. The variance requested is from minimum lot width, lot area, and side yard setback requirements, allowing for lots 35 feet wide with a zero-foot shared boundary line. The board approved the application with the same conditions as the previous item (VA 20-2026), requiring approval of the lot split from the Planning Commission and the condo association agreement from the law department.

Second Commercial Driveway Variance Approved Amidst Traffic and Access Concerns

The Zoning Board of Appeals considered a variance request, BA23-2026, for a second commercial driveway at 214 East 34th Street in an I-1 Light Industrial District. Ken Weaver, representing Reliable Holdings LLC, is the applicant. The variance is requested because the proposed driveway does not meet the required lot width, and a traffic analysis was not completed. The applicant clarified that the proposal is to move an existing driveway to a better location for a one-way flow, rather than adding a second driveway. The existing driveway on Elyria Avenue is described as unusable and not wide enough. The applicant also stated they would comply with minimum requirements for driveway and apron size, negating the need for a variance on those specific dimensions. A resident, Alfredo Guzman, expressed concerns about increased traffic and parking issues on 34th Street. The applicant responded that the new access points would be on 35th Street and Elyria Avenue, not 34th Street, and that they have invested in improving their property to reduce street parking. The board ultimately approved the application, with the motion stating it was 'to approve the application request'.

Zoning Variance Approved for Attached Dwellings on Narrow Lots

The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed and considered a variance request for VA 20-2026, involving the creation of single-family attached dwellings on individual lots in an R2 Transitional Residential District at 2323 East Erie Avenue. Don J. Techo Development LLC is the applicant. The request seeks variances from minimum lot width and side yard setback requirements to allow for lots 35 feet wide with a zero-foot shared boundary line. The proposal involves constructing two duplexes side-by-side, with the intent to form a condo association for the four resulting units as an exit strategy for selling them. The board approved the plan contingent upon the lot split being granted by the Planning Commission and the condo association agreement being approved by the law department.